Diving and Snorkeling in North America
Most of North America’s most popular diving and snorkeling sites are located on the west coast and in tropical areas which feature warm waters and a large variety of marine life. Dry suits are highly recommended in cooler areas, even during summertime since the water is colder than in tropical zones.
Vancouver Island - British Columbia, Canada: Vancouver Island’s waters may not have the coral reefs found in warmer destinations, but there are plenty of opportunities to see octopus, eels, and other sea life not found in other Canadian regions. Visibility is generally excellent.
Kingston - Ontario, Canada: This area offers the best diving in the Great Lakes area and is best known for its historical shipwreck explorations, protected by a local organization. The Wolf Island ferry wreck features intact propellers and an immense main structure.
Nova Scotia, Canada: Although Nova Scotia’s waters aren’t as colorful as warmer climates, divers can enter right from the shore and are rewarded with views of plants, animals, and shipwrecks. One of the province’s most challenging dives is Birchy Head, located in Peggy’s Cove.
La Jolla Cove - California, US: This world-famous San Diego diving site in the La Jolla ecological preserve is home to some of the area’s biggest fish, and is an excellent spot for both day and night diving. Divers can experience a view of the moon through the water’s surface on a clear night.
Florida Keys, US: One of the world’s most famous diving regions, the Florida Keys are home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US, as well as several shipwrecks and a wide variety of sea life. This unique habitat is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Dive Land Quarry - Alabama, US: Dive Land Quarry is home to a rare freshwater jellyfish which closely resembles its saltwater cousins, but cannot sting humans. The jellyfish can be found in the shallow waters near the quarry’s rim.
Straits Underwater Preserve - Michigan, US: This cold water dive site is best known for its well-preserved shipwrecks, such as the Eber Ward, which sank in 1909. The vessel’s loading gear, anchors, and bathtub remain intact.
Bermuda : Many Bermuda visitors come to explore the territory’s more than 400 shipwrecks, most of which are easily accessible under shallow waters. Bermuda also has warm water, excellent visibility, and the Atlantic Ocean’s most northernmost coral reefs. Even non-swimmers can explore Bermuda’s waters by helmet diving.